FAQ

Q?

Am I allowed to use a bike assist?

A.

Ride the Rim does not allow anything that is considered ‘self-propelled’, which includes most bike assists. However, we do allow a Class I Bike Assist strictly because the rider must still pedal. For more information on classifications on bike assists, click here.

Q?

What will the weather be like?

A.

What can riders expect? Anything and everything. In the past we’ve had sunny, windless days and snow, sleet, and hail on others. The point is, come ready for anything and check the weather before you come. You can check the weather using the National Weather Service.

Q?

Is this a National Park Event?

A.

Yes, although this event is made possible through a partnership with Crater Lake National Park and local tourism organizations, such as Discover Klamath Visitor and Convention Bureau, as well as the Friends of Crater Lake, a non-profit service organization. Collectively, these groups provide the funds, organizational skills, staffing, volunteers, and materials to make this event possible. Your donations help fund the event as it grows over time.

Q?

Will I get lunch at the event?

A.

No. Ride the Rim provides only snacks and water at its rest stops. Once you finish the ride you will find food and beverage options at Crater Lake Lodge, the Rim Village Café, Mazama Village, or Annie Creek Restaurant.

Q?

Can I start anytime I want?

A.

While participants can technically begin the ride at any time, please keep in mind that the official Ride the Rim route does not open until 8:00 AM. This means rest stops will not be set up until this time. The best window to start is between 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM. We strongly discourage beginning the ride after 2:00 PM because you may not have completed the course prior to our rest stops coming down at 6:00 PM, after which time there will be absolutely no support on the course. Additionally, experience has shown temperatures drop rapidly after 5:00 PM.

Q?

Is this event family friendly?

A.

While Crater Lake National Park is a family friendly environment, Ride the Rim strongly encourages families to research the difficulty of this ride and make the best determination whether children should ride with the family. Pull-behind carts and child bike seats may be a safer option for children. While not a long ride, this is a challenging ride best suited to intermediate level riders or greater.

Q?

We are traveling in a group. What if we get separated? How do we communicate?

A.

We provide a communication notebook at each rest stop should you get separated from your group. Please plan to leave your name and time you arrived/departed from a rest stop to give your group an idea of where you might be. If you end the ride and plan to leave the last rest stop for any reason, we highly recommend that you leave a note for your party telling them where they can find you. You will not be able to communicate via cell phones because cell phone coverage is very spotty in the park.

Q?

Will there be cell phone service on the route?

A.

Cell phone service is spotty in Crater Lake National Park because of its remoteness, however 911 will still work in case of an emergency.

Q?

Why register if the event is free?

A.

Even though the event is free, we ask that each participant register so we can have enough food, water and supplies on hand. Pre-registering also helps Park staff and Event Organizers better anticipate crowd size, which in turn helps us secure and place volunteers in the appropriate locations for parking, ride support, etc.

Q?

Where do I check in?

A.

There are check in booths located at North Junction and Park HQ. We recommend each rider check in before beginning the ride.

Q?

Are helmets required?

A.

Yes, an ANSI or SNELL approved helmet is required.

Q?

Can I donate to the event?

A.

Yes! You can donate to help support the event right on the registration page. There will also be donation boxes present; one at North Junction and another at Park HQ if you wish to make a contribution in cash. Thank you in advance.

Q?

Is there plenty of parking at the event?

A.

Because parking is limited, we recommend carpooling as much as possible.

Q?

Is there a SAG wagon?

A.

No. We do not provide a SAG wagon. As this is technically an unsupported ride, it is important you are self-supportive with water and appropriate gear in the event of mechanical difficulty.

Q?

Where does the shuttle pick up and drop off?

A.

The shuttle has pick up/drop off points at North Junction, Park Headquarters and Rim Village. Please keep in mind the shuttle does not transport bikes. It is recommended that you drop off your bikes in a bike corral where you intend to begin your ride if you are planning to park in a different parking lot. If you start your ride from where you park, you will need to leave your bike in a bike corral at the end of the ride, take a shuttle back to your car, and drive back to retrieve your bike.

Q?

Does the shuttle transport bikes?

A.

No. The shuttle only transports people. If needed, please place your bike in the bike corrals while the shuttle transports you to your vehicle, then return to retrieve your bike(s).

Q?

Is the shuttle free?

A.

Yes! The shuttle is a free service that we provide to transport participants only.

Q?

Are the bike corrals free?

A.

Yes! There is no charge to place your bikes in the bike corrals. Although there’s never been a problem, and the bike corrals are fenced, we advise bringing a lock to secure your bike if you will be leaving it for extended periods of time. (Disclaimer: Neither Discover Klamath nor the National Park Service will be responsible for any damage to or loss of any bicycle. We haven’t lost one yet!)

Q?

Is there a recommended direction to complete the ride?

A.

We recommend riding in a clockwise direction, beginning your ride at the North Junction rest stop. Even though we recommend riding in a clockwise direction, our course is multi-directional offering an opportunity for out-and-back rides.

Q?

How long is the ride?

A.

The distance around Crater Lake is 33 miles, and consists of sections on East Rim Drive (25 Miles) and West Rim Drive (8 miles). The “Vehicle Free” portion of the ride is East Rim Drive (25 Miles) . The terrain is steep inclines and declines with about 3,500 feet of net elevation gain.

Q?

How long does it take to Ride the Rim?

A.

Ride length will vary by how many stops are made, quality of equipment, and by how in-shape you are. Most people will take between 3-5 hours to complete the ride.

Q?

I’ve never been before. What does the elevation look like?

A.

Q?

What is provided at rest stops?

A.

There are 5 evenly-spaced rest stops on the route. At each stop you will find snacks, water, shade, restrooms, bike pump, waste receptacles, basic first aid kits, basic bike repair tools, and enthusiastic volunteers providing support. We do recommend that riders come prepared with enough water, refillable water bottles, and snacks to meet their needs for the day should the snacks and water provided not meet your expectations or liking.

Q?

How do you accommodate people with food allergies or sensitivities?

A.

We ask that people with special food considerations come prepared to manage their own fuel needs throughout the day. Ride the Rim organizers don’t provide special foods (e.g. Gluten Free, Sugar Free, etc.).

Q?

May I bring my dog?

A.

Crater Lake National Park is a pet friendly park in designated areas. Dogs must be on leashes at all times measure at 6 feet in length. Only one pet per person is allowed. Solid waste must be picked up immediately and disposed of properly. Please check Crater Lake’s website for further information.

Q?

Can I buy merchandise at the event?

A.

Ride the Rim branded merchandise is not available at the event, but is available for purchase on the official event website. This is because the National Parks have established vendor agreements with sole rights to sell national park branded merchandise.